L IFELONG LEARNERSM

L I F E L O N G L E A R N I N GTM

Spring 2010

SPECIAL OLYMPIANS BRILLIANTLY REPRESENT ACA

· Executive Director’s Message 2

· Fundraising Highlights 3

· Family Corner 5

· Notes and Notables 6-7

WHAT’S INSIDE

Recently, when speaking about the Special Olympics, President

Obama referred to the Games as “opportunities for the athletes

to teach our nation – and our world – that no physical or mental

barrier can restrain the power of the human spirit.” And, at two

recent Special Olympics events, our Anderson Center for Autism

(ACA) athletes did exactly that!

First, a group participated in the games at Marist College in

Poughkeepsie, NY, this spring. “All of the athletes did an awesome

job,” reports Kwame Wiafeakenten, ACA’s Recreation

Coordinator. “Justin C. competed for the first time in the Special

Olympics, was the youngest athlete at the event, and received a

Bronze medal! Mathew T. was also a first-time Special Olympian

and he brought home a Silver medal”, notes Wiafeakenten.

Special thanks go to the staff who accompanied the athletes and

encouraged them every step of the way and to Jarmar R. and

Frank A.

Then, on April 24th, by far ACA’s largest contingent of athletes ever participating in a Special Olympics event traveled to West Point to

compete in the Regional Track & Field Special Olympics. It was a spectacular day, both weather-wise and on the field of competition, as

all of our athletes proudly represented ACA and each did a great job in as many as three events. After all of the hard work

that they put in, they all deserve a huge round of applause!

Thanks to all the staff, family and friends who attended with the athletes and gave their support. Extra thanks to Ray G. and his staff for

taking care of the lunches. Thanks too, to all our coaches and Jarmar R. for

getting everybody ready.

Most of all, huge thanks to the athletes for all of their hard work: Children’s

Services: Phillip H., Joey H., Daniel M., Michael R., Jacob L., Brandon S.,

Tracy F., Felicia N., William H., Jarret R., Dido M., Joel M., Jason M., Jare R.,

Max K., Chris D., Imani B., Kyle G., Richard A., Chipper, Alissa S., Jeanie B.

and Justin C., Adult Services: Marcos D., Jonah F., Chris M., Matthew R.,

Ella J., Berecia, Kyle Z., Ed B., Jai M., Frankie H., Gary S., Patricio N.,

Michael R., Ed H. Congrats to all! (For more photos, see page 7.)

ACA athlete Alissa S. at West Point games

Photo by: Kathy Eastwood, West Point Pointer View

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a u t i s m t o d a y

Thoughts from the

desk of Neil J. Pollack,

Executive Director/C.E.O.

Throughout the United States, Direct Support Professionals,

commonly known as “direct care”, are essential throughout the

Human Services field. These employees not only provide frontline

care but are the supporting foundation in the lives of individuals we

serve. With broad and profound increases in both the number of

people in need of services and the more complicated regulatory

environment, we now see a system relying more heavily upon direct

care employees. As a matter of national public policy it appears to

me that we do little to provide education preparing our direct

service staff to meet the ever growing requirements of the recipients

served by Human Service organizations and, therefore, extensive on

the job instruction and direction from professional and administrative

staff has become essential.

As I see it, the issue at hand lies in a decline in the educational

requirements and training for people seeking employment in the

Human Services sector throughout the country. In response, Anderson

Center for Autism (ACA) found both solutions and opportunity

through our unique Learn and Earn Program. This program rewards

individuals for participating in college curriculum leading to Associate,

Bachelor and Master degrees and is paying dividends in more qualified

and engaged employees who feel they are operating at a professional

caliber.

Within the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

(ASD) is the treatment modality of intensive behavior services using

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). As an evidence-based agency, we at

Anderson have adopted this as a main element of our LifeLong

LearningSM model. As a result, our intensive programs often stretch

each employee’s ability – making adequate training even more

important. Sitting in Congress is a Bill entitled H.R. 868: Direct

Support Professionals Fairness and Security Act of 2009. In my

opinion, this is only a first step in what needs to happen in the field but

it is an important step. I would encourage all readers to learn more

about this topic and get involved by urging lawmakers to understand

the needs of Direct Support Professionals throughout United States

and in the vitally important work of Anderson Center for Autism.

To support the important work of Anderson Center for Autism, I also urge you to visit our website www.AndersonCenterforAutism.org and consider a contribution. Your support helps us to develop these very pioneering programs.

b o a r d s o f t r u s t e e sAnderson Center for Autism operates under the guidance of our exceptional Boards of Trustees.

We appreciate the contributions that each of these talented and generous individuals makes towards the achievement of our goals.

David W. Melby, Chair

Francis M. Synan, 1st Vice Chair

Sarah E. Sholes, 2nd Vice Chair

Peter M. Olympia, Jr., Treasurer

Neeraj Alimchandani, Secretary

ANDERSON CENTER FOR AUTISM*

Elinor B. E. Arnold, Trustee

Justin L. Cole, Trustee

Elizabeth Corcoran, Trustee

John S. DeJoy, Trustee

Pompey H. Delafield, Trustee

Eric D. Gorman, Trustee

Joe Lepore, Trustee

Richard Lewis, Trustee

Jeanne R. Raichle, Trustee

John A. Scileppi, Trustee

*Trustees for Anderson Center for Autism are also trustees for Anderson Center Services, Inc.

ANDERSON FOUNDATION FOR AUTISM, INC.Margaret Cusumano, Chair

John Maserjian, Vice Chair

Robert Shoemaker, Treasurer

Rebecca A. Valk, Secretary

Susan Angeles, Trustee

Ellen L. Baker, Trustee

Louis Fratto, Jr., Trustee

Vance A. Gage, Trustee

Joseph T. Kirchhoff, Trustee

Tondra Lynford, Trustee

Harold L. Mangold, Trustee

William F. Melcher, Trustee

Deborah O’Keeffe, Trustee

Marisa Perez-Rogers, Trustee

Paul Porco, Trustee

William R. Salmeri, Trustee

LIFETIME HONORARY TRUSTEESMichael McNaughton Wilfred RohdeJaime Rodriguez-TellezEllen L. Baker Fritz Sonnenschmidt

DIRECT SUPPORTPROFESSIONALS

FUNDRAISING HIGHLIGHTS Anderson in the Community …. April was Autism Awareness Month

On April 23rd, the Dutchess County Regional Chamber

of Commerce and Anderson Center for Autism hosted

our Annual Policy Breakfast at The Poughkeepsie Grand

featuring the work of the Good Dog Foundation and the

benefits of animal-assisted Therapy and Anderson Center

for Autism’s participants.

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We continue to encourage our families and friends to host introductory receptions as fund/friend-raisers. Please call us today to schedule at 845-889-9208. With the number of worthwhile organizations and causes to support, we appreciate that Anderson Center was a priority for many loyal donors. Thank you for your ongoing support!

ACA also participated in the Community Resource Fair at

the Annual Hudson Valley Autism Walk on April 25th

educating the community about services available for

families locally.

On April 29th, Coppola’s Italian & American Bistro hosted

an annual fundraiser where a portion of the proceeds were

donated to support our programs.

IMMEDIATE FUNDING NEEDED FOR UNIFORMS FOR OUR ATHLETESWith a focus on items directly relating to programs that are currently unfunded

from grants or private and public support, we have established a “fund an

item” concept for supporters to make contributions that directly benefit

initiatives. In this issue of LifeLong LearnerSM, we are highlighting our

“Unification in Presentation - Uniforms for Our Athletes” initiative.

UNIFICATION IN PRESENTATION - UNIFORMS FOR OUR ATHLETES - The

students and adults of ACA participate in many sporting events each year

including the Special Olympics. Not only do these events promote physical

health, but they also provide our athletes with an opportunity to build

self-confidence and develop their social skills.

To promote team spirit and provide the participants who represent ACA with

the proper attire for the events, ACA’s Recreation Coordinator has identified

a need for player shirts and warm-up gear. The plan is to purchase the

“uniforms” in mass. Before an event, each participant would be presented

with a uniform in their size. They can then take pride in being a member of

the Anderson Team as they individually participate in the event. Upon

returning to campus, the uniforms would then be returned for cleaning and

storage until the next time they are needed.

At an estimated cost of $52 per uniform, an investment of $10,000 would

provide enough uniforms, in varying sizes, to accommodate our athletes. As

no uniform would be purchased for any one participant, we would continue

to utilize them for many years to come - allowing for greater overall use.

Donate today to the Unification in Presentation fund and help our athletes

shine. Estimated Cost: $10,000

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.AndersonCenterforAutism.org

for details on our other program

initiatives including:

Art Program

Communication Enhancement Initiative

Community Social Skills Program

Equine Assisted Therapy

Professional Development

Rock With Me

Wheels to Work

Winter Wellness

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s t a f f k u d o s

We are proud to announce some recent changes in Children’s Services staff positions.

Kwame Wiafeakenten has assumed the position of Recreation Coordinator. Kwame has demonstrated a terrific ability to

develop and maintain fun, motivating and challenging sports, recreation and leisure opportunities for our students.

In April, Roz Williams assumed the position of Transition Coordinator. There is a heightened focus on transition planning from

both state and federal education departments. Our school will certainly benefit from having a Transition Coordinator who is

able to focus attention on the many facets of transition planning, IEP goal development and implementation, as well as refining

on and off campus job training opportunities.

Thanks also goes to Lorrie Hejnal and Cindy Robinson for their unwavering support of the Transition and Recreation Programs.

Their work has positively impacted countless students over the years and they continue to look for ways to improve the delivery

of service to our students. We wish Kwame and Roz much success in their new roles.

CHILDREN’S SERVICES STAFF UPDATES

WURTEMBURG IRA OPENSIn May, the Adult Services Program was honored to open our new IRA in Rhinebeck. The Wurtemburg Road is ACA’s thirteenth IRA, welcoming five male graduates from our campus. Over the months prior to the opening, meet and greets at the IRA were held for the awaiting residents and their families. This has proven to be an extremely beneficial process. With each and every visit, the young men made new discoveries within their home. One week their bedrooms were empty and bare. But, two weeks later, the rooms were painted and furnished. The smiles on their faces were truly priceless.

The official move in day was April 20th and the transition was very smooth. The new residents quickly became comfortable in their new home and enjoyed a lovely walk around the property. Dinner was family style and the laughter was contagious. The very next morning, one of the young men was asked how he slept and his answer was, “this is an awesome house”.

A special thank you goes out to the families of these five fine young men and the entire ACA staff who made this opportunity possible. Pictured right - Matthew and Michael T. show us around their new home.

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WATCHING A SON TRANSITION INTO ADULTHOOD

“Where will I live next?” That was the question on Isaac M’s mind soon

after he graduated from ACA two years ago. At the time, it was a

question that Isaac’s parents could not answer with certainty. “Isaac had

been living at ACA for nearly six years and it had been a wonderful and

positive experience”, recounts his mom, Merrill. But, with state funding

issues mounting, the wait to see if a new ACA IRA would be Isaac’s new

home made for “a very trying time for the entire family.”

In the meantime, Isaac lived in newly built on-campus housing. “He had

seen his brother and two sisters go through the stages associated with

growing up – going off to college, getting jobs, their own apartments and

more. Now, as an adult himself, he wanted to experience the same

types of things”, says his mom. “When we heard the funding for the

Wurtemburg Road IRA (see related story on page 4) had been approved

and that it would be Isaac’s new home, we were so happy.”

According to Merrill, “The results have been phenomenal. Isaac has his

own room and he’s in heaven with his routine and schedule. He made

the transition well through the careful and thoughtful process that ACA

has in place. He loves to show us his new home.” Following in his

family’s footsteps, Isaac has a strong work ethic and is very excited to go

to the new day habilitation center, as well as his work at the nearby

Culinary Institute. Even when he’s sick, he has to be convinced that

it’s ok to take a day off.

As for favorite activities, Isaac is up for anything that may provide an opportunity to get Chinese food – more specifically

beef and broccoli - like going to the mall, bowling, etc. He enjoys going to the supermarket, doing puzzles, listening to

his Ipod and there has recently been discussion about him learning how to make his own beef and broccoli at home.

“Most important to his father and me was to know that Isaac was settled and happy – able to follow his dreams and

branch out just like our other children. He’s a great kid and we’re very very proud”, says Merrill. Maybe someday soon

when the family comes to visit, Isaac will even serve his own homemade beef and broccoli.

f a m i l y c o r n e r

Isaac’s new home – Wurtemburg IRA

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A C A n o t e s a n d n o t a b l e s

ACA SHINES AT UNIFIED BOWLINGIt was a unified effort and a fun day as coach Jarmar Richardson and Jarret R. together with Kyle G. and ACA’s Kwame Wiafeakenten formed two teams to compete at a recent unified bowling event in Jefferson Valley.Both teams won Gold medals in their respective brackets.

These events are especially gratifying for the coaches who work with the athletes to prepare them while building a bond between coach and athlete. Great thanks are due to our coaches and to the staff who accompany the students to the events - they are amazing at what they do!

A HOPPING GOOD TIMEIt was a nice spring day full of fun and frolicking as ACA’s Easter

Egg Hunt was held on our campus this Easter Sunday. All had a

great time decorating bags and baskets and collecting the eggs.

WEDDING BELLS ACA employees, Eli Cesarine, Physical Education

Teacher, and Kim Doering, Special Education Teacher,

were married on April 25th. Congratulations and

best wishes for many happy years to come.

NEW DAY HAB OPENSACA celebrated the opening of our third LifeLong

LearningSM Center in March. Town of Saugerties

Supervisor, Greg Helsmoortel, and Town Board

Member, Jim Bruno, were in attendance to

welcome us to the community.

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Paul Porco, Trustee

William R. Salmeri, Trustee

THERAPEUTIC LISTENING PROGRAM PILOT PROJECTFunded by a generous donation from one of our parents, students are able

to participate in an Occupational Therapy Therapeutic Listening Program

Pilot Project. TLP utilizes electronically modified music as a means to

organize the participant’s sensory system with the intent to improve their

attentiveness to tasks, social interaction, and/or emotional regulation.

Pictured right - Elias and J.T., along with their teacher, Jackie Mika.

“LET ME WIN. BUT IF I CANNOT WIN, LET ME BE BRAVE IN THE ATTEMPT.” - Athlete’s Oath

SCENES FROM THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS

UPCOMING EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010 9th Annual Golf Tournament at Casperkill Golf Club, Poughkeepsie, NY

SUNDAY, AUGUST 1, 2010Anderson Center for Autism is sponsoring a Hudson Valley Renegades Game

to support Autism Awareness.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2, 20109th Annual Gala at the Grandview, Poughkeepsie, NY

“We are the World” – Honoring Assemblyman Marcus Molinaro &

Page Park Associates

4885 Route 9 · P.O. Box 367

Staatsburg, NY 12580-0367

Ph: 845-889-4034

www.AndersonCenterforAutism.org

For details, participation and sponsorship information, or to register,

please contact Noel Crotone at 845-889-9208.

Save the Dates!

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